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Understanding Barriers to Implementing LGBT-specific Programs in North Carolina High Schools: Implications for Rural Communities

Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary

Schools are charged with the task of providing a safe learning environment for all students; however, for many LGBT students, schools are not safe places. LGBT students are often faced with victimization and discrimination throughout their years in school, which can be detrimental to their mental health and educational attainment. One mitigating factor that decreases victimization and discrimination against LGBT students is the presence of LGBT-specific policies and programs, such as Gay Straight Alliances (GSA). These programs and policies also improve LGBT student’s mental health and educational attainment. Despite the many benefits, however, these resources are not available in all high schools. Further, findings of this research show that rural schools are often more resistant than their urban counterparts to implement LGBT-specific programs Additional findings contextualize barriers to implementation such as lack of faculty support, one of the few requirements to starting a club or organization. The implications of the findings are key to mental health outcomes, school engagement, and educational attainment for students living in rural communities.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1

Hennessy is a Public Health Research Analyst in the Public Health Informatics Program at RTI International where she evaluates public health programs and policies at federal, state, and local levels. With a background in sociology, her work focuses on health disparities in access to and utilization of health services as well as health outcomes among racial/ethnic, low income, and rural populations.

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Understanding Barriers to Implementing LGBT-specific Programs in North Carolina High Schools: Implications for Rural Communities

Schools are charged with the task of providing a safe learning environment for all students; however, for many LGBT students, schools are not safe places. LGBT students are often faced with victimization and discrimination throughout their years in school, which can be detrimental to their mental health and educational attainment. One mitigating factor that decreases victimization and discrimination against LGBT students is the presence of LGBT-specific policies and programs, such as Gay Straight Alliances (GSA). These programs and policies also improve LGBT student’s mental health and educational attainment. Despite the many benefits, however, these resources are not available in all high schools. Further, findings of this research show that rural schools are often more resistant than their urban counterparts to implement LGBT-specific programs Additional findings contextualize barriers to implementation such as lack of faculty support, one of the few requirements to starting a club or organization. The implications of the findings are key to mental health outcomes, school engagement, and educational attainment for students living in rural communities.